The local charity is also set to be booted out of its main office building as part of Enfield Council’s proposed library closures, reports James Cracknell

Age UK Enfield is currently based at John Jackson Library in Bush Hill Park

The boss of Age UK Enfield has said she is “deeply concerned” by Enfield Council’s proposals to shut down two of the buildings it currently operates from.

The charity runs the borough’s only dementia day care service at The Parker Centre in Edmonton, which has been included on a list of properties the council has agreed to sell, while John Jackson Library, currently used as Age UK Enfield’s main office, is one of eight the council is proposing to close next year.

Lesley King-Lewis, its interim chief executive, says the charity had previously been aware the council was looking to reduce its property portfolio and that this may impact them, while still continuing talks to “explore ways forward” and allow Age UK Enfield to continue the local services it currently provides.

However, Lesley said: “We have experienced first-hand the issues arising from the council’s lack of funds to correctly maintain the properties we currently use.

“The Parker Centre is on a list [for closure and sale] along with John Jackson Library and naturally this is a concern not just for Age UK Enfield but for the thousands of older people we help and support each year.

“What has happened is not altogether surprising – but it is disappointing and deeply concerning.”

Lesley said the charity had been “preparing and actively investigating ways in which to continue delivering the valuable services we provide”. This includes discussions with the council looking at “suitable alternatives”.

She said: “Given Enfield has the highest level of dementia in London, it is imperative a solution is found sooner rather than later.

“We would like to have a dedicated building from which Age UK Enfield could run its dementia day care centre as well as our day-to-day operations. We run a broad range of activities and events across the borough, promoting positive mental and physical health, as well as focusing on and responding to the specific needs of the borough’s older people.”

One option being looked at is whether Rose Taylor Day Centre in Brimsdown, another day care centre closed by the council last year, could be brought back into use for Age UK Enfield – although Lesley believes this would likely “take time and significant funding which we will have to raise”.

She added: “We are keen to talk to any potential donors or supporters who can help us achieve our vision of an age-friendly Enfield where everyone can love later life.”

The council declined to comment.

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